Labour LGBTQ+ Welcomes Government Approval of Ground-Breaking Disregard Scheme Legislation
Labour LGBTQ+ Welcomes Government Approval of Ground-Breaking Disregard Scheme Legislation - The Labour Party
Labour LGBTQ+ today warmly welcomes the announcement that the Government has approved legislation to establish a statutory disregard scheme for historic convictions related to consensual same-sex sexual activity. This decision marks a historic leap forward in addressing one of the most profound injustices experienced by LGBTQ+ people in Ireland.
For decades, men were criminalised simply for who they loved or who they were. These convictions, rooted in outdated laws introduced under British rule then continued under the newly independent Irish State, inflicted deep and enduring harm on individuals and the wider LGBTQ+ community. It is fitting, if long overdue, that the State now moves to formally correct this wrong through legislation that will ensure these convictions are treated as if they had never occurred.
Labour has a proud record of advancing LGBTQ+ rights over many decades, grounded in the party’s core values of equality, dignity, and justice. From decriminalisation in 1993 — when Labour was in Government — through employment equality legislation, civil partnerships, marriage equality, and gender recognition reform, the Labour Party has consistently championed a more inclusive Ireland.
In particular, Ged Nash TD has been at the forefront of efforts to secure justice for those whose convictions were wrongly inflicted. His introduction of the Convictions for Certain Sexual Offences (Apology & Exoneration) Bill in 2016 set in motion a process that culminated in the historic State apology delivered in both Houses of the Oireachtas in 2018, and now this Government commitment to legislating a disregard scheme.
Speaking on behalf of Labour LGBTQ+, Joshua Ellul said:
“Today’s decision is a powerful affirmation of Ireland’s commitment to equality and restorative justice. The Labour Party has stood with LGBTQ+ people through every step of this journey, and we are proud that decades of advocacy, legislative leadership, and principled politics have brought us to this moment. A disregard scheme will offer dignity, recognition, and practical justice to those who suffered under laws that should never have existed.”
Labour LGBTQ+ also pays tribute to the countless campaigners, advocates, and community members whose voices sustained momentum for this change, and expresses gratitude to legislators from across the Oireachtas whose support will be crucial as this legislation proceeds.
Reflecting on the broader significance of this development, Karl Hayden added:
“This legislation matters not just for those directly affected, but for all LGBTQ+ people in Ireland. It is a tangible demonstration that the State can confront past wrongs and reaffirm its commitment to human rights. We look forward to the implementation of a disregard scheme that delivers justice in the fullest possible way.”
Labour LGBTQ+ remains committed to advancing equality and to ensuring that the promise of this legislation is fulfilled when it is enacted.